Been a While!

We would like to apologize for the long time since we last posted updates! We’ve been so busy, things like this get put on the back burner, to simmer for, well, a year! Last summer was packed with amazing things as we embarked on a new adventure calledFreedom School. Freedom School is a program that seeks to reach underserved youth in the US to help them become more avid readers. It uses materials and books to help youth of color connect to the story and the characters to find reading more enjoyable. Young adult interns connect with the youth to show them that they can succeed if they try hard enough. Studies have proven that youth who read more do better in school, and have a lesser chance of ending up in jail or homeless. In addition to the lessons, youth in this program go on field trips, have various activities, and are provided with breakfast, lunch, and a snack. If you would like to support Sunnyside Freedom School, pleaseClick Here!

After our crazy Freedom School Summer, we began serious work on the Anthony’s Plot house. We learned a while back that the house had lead paint in it, which was dangerous for the new baby in the family and for our guests (especially our younger guests). As we all know, what should be quick and easy home improvement projects often take much longer than anticipated. Work began on the house in December, and actually continues now! The residents of AP were able to move back into the house a couple of weeks ago, but we’re continuing to finish getting the house back to “normal” (whatever that is for us!). We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project, whether it was with finances, time, and/or prayers. We couldn’t have done it without you! And to show our appreciation, we are looking at having an Open House in June. It will include a chance to see all the new work, as well as some time to check out our Community Garden (with the possibility of some s’mores by the campfire!). Be watchful of a date to come!

And now, it’s Spring! We have recently restarted our Monday Neighborhood Meals. Each week, we provide a free, healthy meal to our neighbors and friends. This gathering is important as we get to know the needs of our neighbors. This block of time is very valuable to us, and our neighbors know we’ll always be there if they need to reach us. That’s why we need your help! Groups that partner with us to provide food and help serve the meal not only help us to be there for our regular neighbors, but help us to get to know our newer neighbors. People always bond best over food, don’t they? So if your group can help us by providing food, please Sign Up Here! And as always, if you’re just interested in serving food, cleaning, or helping with dishes, you can just show up! We start at 5:30 pm every Monday!

And finally, there’s our Community Garden. With so much work being done to get the house habitable, it has been terribly neglected. If your group needs some service hours, we need some folks who are willing to help weed and clean up the garden. This is good for youth groups as well (with strong leaders to help). Please contact us if you would like to help us.

Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers for all of our projects. We can’t do it without you!